The bill authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to study the feasibility of new “flood risk reduction, ecosystem restoration and recreation components” at the downtown park along the Ohio River. If the results are favorable, the Army Corps and Cincinnati Park Board could invest $15 million each to complete $30 million of park improvements. A $15 million federal investment in 2007 has been leveraged to secure more than $97 million for the $120 million project, equating to $6 nonfederal for every $1 dollar of federal funding provided for the riverfront park.

Congress has recognized the significant local investment in this project that has transformed downtown Cincinnati as the engine for commercial and residential development. The Smale Riverfront Park also provides the region with a tremendous asset for citizens and visitors to enjoy for years to come and creates an essential connection between the two professional sports stadiums along the riverfront.

“Smale Riverfront Park should be a model for future riverfront development projects with a focus on partnering with the federal government to boost significant nonfederal investments, transforming communities, and driving economic development and growth” says Ron Hamm, President of Hamm Consulting Group.